Every dentist, hygienist, therapist, nurse, and technician in the UK must be registered with the GDC — the General Dental Council. That's the regulator that sets standards and can strike someone off. Here's what they do.
Your dental team works under GDC oversight every single day. Every professional who touches your mouth has to be registered with them. No registration means no practising.
What Is the GDC?
The GDC — the General Dental Council — is the regulator for all dental professionals in the UK. It covers dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental nurses, dental technicians, and clinical dental technicians. The GDC sets the standards these professionals must meet and maintains the register of everyone legally allowed to work in dentistry.
It's a legal requirement. Anyone working in dentistry without being GDC registered is committing a criminal offence.
What Does the GDC Actually Do?
The GDC has three main jobs. First, it sets standards of conduct, performance, and ethics that every dental professional must follow. Second, it maintains the register — you can check it yourself online to confirm your dentist or hygienist is legitimately registered. Third, it investigates complaints and can take action if a professional falls below the required standard.
That action can range from advice or a warning, all the way to being struck off the register — which ends a person's dental career.
What Standards Does the GDC Set?
The GDC publishes standards documents that all dental professionals must follow. These cover things like put your patients first, communicate clearly, get proper consent, keep your skills up to date, and work safely. Your dental team will have training on these standards every year.
If a professional doesn't follow these standards and a patient is harmed or at risk, the GDC can investigate. You can raise a concern yourself if you feel something wasn't right.
Can You Check Your Dentist Is Registered?
Yes — and you absolutely can. The GDC keeps a public register on its website. You can search by name or role to confirm the person treating you is currently registered and has no restrictions on their practice.
If your dentist moves practices, changes their name, or leaves the profession, the register is updated. It's your first stop if you ever want to verify your dental professional's credentials.
What Happens If the GDC Receives a Complaint?
When the GDC receives a complaint, it reviews it to decide if action is needed. Not every complaint leads to a full investigation — but serious concerns about patient safety are always followed up. The GDC works with other bodies, including the NHS and the police, where necessary.
The process is designed to protect patients, not to punish professionals unfairly. But the stakes are high — a finding of impaired fitness to practise can end a career.
Why Does This Matter to You?
When you sit in the dental chair, you want to know the person treating you is qualified, regulated, and held to a high standard. The GDC is the body that makes that happen. Their job is to protect you — the patient.
You can find out more or raise a concern at www.gdc-uk.org.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.comMeads Village Dental Practice